Rajasthan CET 2026 New Syllabus PDF: Exam Dates Released for 12th & Graduation Level

The long wait is finally over for nearly 35 lakh job aspirants across Rajasthan. The Rajasthan Subordinate and Ministerial Services Selection Board (RSMSSB), also known as the Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSSB), has officially announced the exam calendar for the Common Eligibility Test (CET) 2026. The Senior Secondary Level exam will be held on October 23, 24, and 25, 2026, while the Graduation Level exam will follow on December 1, 2, and 3, 2026. Online applications for the Senior Secondary level will begin in the last week of June, and the Graduation level form will open in the first week of July 2026.

This year’s CET carries a special significance because, for the first time, the syllabus includes four entirely new life-skill topics, and the validity of the scorecard has been extended significantly. If you are preparing for any Rajasthan government job, this is the single most important exam standing between you and eligibility.

Rajasthan CET 2026: Quick Overview

Why Rajasthan CET Matters So Much

The Rajasthan CET is not a recruitment exam in itself. It is a mandatory qualifying eligibility test that candidates must clear before they can even apply for a wide range of state government posts. Once a candidate qualifies CET, they unlock eligibility to apply for 23 different categories of posts, including Patwari, Junior Assistant, Clerk, Supervisor, and several other Group C and Group B positions advertised by various Rajasthan government departments.

This system was introduced to reduce the burden of multiple separate written exams for every recruitment. Instead, candidates clear one common test, and that score becomes their entry ticket for several recruitment drives over the following years.

Exam Dates: Old Schedule vs New Schedule

The CET exam dates this year mark a clear shift from earlier scheduled timelines. Here is a side-by-side comparison.

RSSB Chairman Alok Raj confirmed that this year’s exam will continue to follow the negative marking system that has been a feature of CET since its introduction.

Application Timeline: When Should You Apply?

The application process for both levels will open in stages.

For the CET Senior Secondary Level, the official notification is expected in June 2026, and the online application window will open in the last week of June, around June 25, 2026.

For the CET Graduation Level, the notification will be released in the first week of July 2026, with applications opening on the same date. Candidates are advised to complete their One Time Registration (OTR) on the RSSB portal in advance so that the actual application process, once it opens, can be completed quickly without last-minute technical delays.

What’s New in Rajasthan CET 2026: Major Changes

This year’s CET brings several candidate-friendly and forward-thinking updates that distinguish it from previous editions.

1. Scorecard Validity Extended to Three Years

Previously, a CET scorecard was valid for only one year, forcing candidates to reappear annually even if they were satisfied with their score. From 2026 onward, the validity has been extended to three years. Candidates who wish to improve their score can still reattempt the exam every year, and the best score among valid attempts will typically be considered for recruitment eligibility.

2. Negative Marking Continues

Despite some candidate demands to remove it, the board has confirmed that negative marking will remain applicable in both Senior Secondary and Graduation level papers this year as well.

3. Minimum Qualifying Marks

To qualify CET, General category candidates must score a minimum of 40%. Candidates belonging to reserved categories receive a 5% relaxation, bringing their minimum qualifying threshold down accordingly.

4. Four New Topics Added to the Syllabus

For the first time in CET’s history, the syllabus committee has added four practical, life-skill-oriented topics. According to RSSB Chairman Alok Raj, the board itself designs the CET syllabus, unlike other recruitment exams where the respective department prepares the syllabus. This gave the board the flexibility to include topics that go beyond traditional academic subjects and instead focus on real-world awareness.

The Four New Syllabus Topics Explained

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

CPR is an emergency life-saving procedure used when a person’s breathing or heartbeat stops. Equipping nearly 35 lakh young candidates with basic CPR knowledge could have a genuine public health impact, since trained bystanders are often the difference between life and death in cardiac emergencies before medical help arrives.

First Aid

First aid refers to the initial medical assistance given to an injured or sick person before they reach a hospital. Proper first aid knowledge can significantly reduce the severity of an accident or sudden illness. This topic equips candidates with practical knowledge they can use in daily life, not just in an exam hall.

Drug Abuse

This topic covers the misuse and excessive consumption of narcotic substances or addictive drugs, along with their serious physical, mental, and social consequences. Including this in a mass-reach exam syllabus is seen as an indirect awareness campaign against substance abuse among Rajasthan’s youth.

Social Media Addiction

As social media increasingly affects daily routines, responsibilities, and mental health, this topic addresses how excessive use can become harmful and what signs indicate addiction. Given that most CET candidates are in the 18 to 40 age group, a demographic highly active on social platforms, this topic is particularly timely and relevant.

The inclusion of these topics reflects a broader trend in Indian competitive exams, where boards are increasingly weaving in health literacy and digital wellness alongside traditional academic content, recognising that young candidates benefit from this knowledge well beyond the exam itself.

Exam Pattern: Questions, Marks and Duration

The Rajasthan CET 2026 exam pattern follows a structured objective format for both levels.

The exact negative marking ratio and subject-wise weightage will be confirmed in the official notification once released. Candidates should download the official syllabus PDF as soon as it is published to plan subject-wise preparation accordingly.

Eligibility Criteria

CET Graduation Level

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university. Some specific posts under this level may additionally require specialised qualifications in fields such as Agriculture, Engineering, or Law. The age limit for most posts is 18 to 40 years.

CET Senior Secondary Level

Candidates must have passed Class 12 (Senior Secondary) from a recognised board. The age limit for most posts under this level is also 18 to 40 years.

Reserved category candidates, including SC, ST, OBC, and EWS, receive age relaxation as per standard Rajasthan government recruitment rules.

Application Fee Structure

Based on previous CET cycles, the expected fee structure for 2026 is as follows.

The final fee structure will be confirmed in the official notification for both levels.

How to Apply for Rajasthan CET 2026

Follow these steps once the application window opens for your respective level.

1. Visit the official RSMSSB Recruitment portal and complete One Time Registration (OTR) using your Aadhaar or Jan Aadhaar card
2. Log in using your SSO ID and password
3. Select either “CET 12th Level 2026” or “CET Graduation Level 2026” based on your eligibility
4. Fill in personal and educational details carefully
5. Upload a scanned photograph and signature as per the prescribed guidelines
6. Pay the application fee online through the available payment methods
7. Submit the form and download a printout for your records

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. I already gave CET last year and my scorecard is valid for one year under the old rule. Does the new 3-year validity apply to my old scorecard too?

This is a common doubt among repeat candidates. Based on the board’s announcement, the extended 3-year validity rule applies to scorecards generated from the CET 2026 exam onward. Candidates with older scorecards under the previous 1-year validity rule should check the official RSSB notification carefully or contact the helpdesk, as transition rules for existing scorecards may be clarified separately in the detailed notification.

Q2. Do I need to prepare separately for CPR, First Aid, Drug Abuse, and Social Media Addiction, or will questions from these topics be very few?

Yes, you should prepare for these topics, even though the official notification will clarify the exact weightage once released. Since these are brand new additions to a syllabus that the board itself controls, it is reasonable to expect a meaningful number of questions from these four areas. The good news is that these topics are based on practical, real-life knowledge rather than complex theory, so they can be covered quickly using basic government health awareness materials and First Aid guidelines available online.

Q3. I am a graduate but my degree is in Engineering. Do I need to give the CET Graduation Level exam separately from Senior Secondary, or can one exam cover both?

The CET Graduation Level and CET Senior Secondary Level are two completely separate examinations with different syllabi, dates, and purposes. As a graduate, you should apply for the CET Graduation Level exam scheduled for December 1 to 3, 2026, since this determines your eligibility for graduate-level posts. If you are also interested in posts that require only a 12th-level qualification, you may additionally appear for the Senior Secondary exam, but the two are not interchangeable and each requires separate registration and exam attendance.

Q4. If I fail to clear the 40% minimum qualifying marks this year, what are my options?

If you do not clear the minimum qualifying marks of 40% (or 35% for reserved categories), you simply will not receive a valid CET eligibility certificate from this attempt. However, since CET is conducted periodically and you can attempt it any number of times, you can reappear in the next CET cycle to try and clear the minimum threshold. There is no restriction on the number of attempts, so use the time before the next cycle to strengthen your preparation, particularly in sections where you scored low this time.